mandela was quite ill for several months. but still, the coordination of this, the security concerns of this, extraordinary. >> reporter: well, as you know, they have been quietly planning for his death for quite some time. but they didn't know how many heads of state would be here. it was a remarkable feat, given the number of government leaders they had here. they put a security plan together, they got them all in and out safely. there didn't appear to be a lot of screening or any screening of all, those of us who came in the stadium here today, perhaps a reflection of the mood, and little fear, given the fact that most of the dignitaries were behind bulletproof glass and able to come in a separate entrance. >> lester holt in soweto, south africa for us this morning. an event that started about 1:00 west coast time, involving all those prayers and speeches by dignitaries and ending just a short time ago. lester, thank you very much. we'll have more coverage coming up right now with savannah. >> let's bring in nbc's brian wi